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Fred Thompson's Candidacy Talk of Labor Day Picnic

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kWe're just days away from former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson's announcement to join the presidential race.

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Thompson spent labor day weekend in Iowa with Republican John McCain and Democrats Hilary Clinton and John Edwards.

Back home, major Thompson supporters gathered for a meet and greet of their own at Congressman Zach Wamp's 12th annual Labor Day picnic.

"He is the most consistent conservative but a mainstream leader that will bring people together," Wamp said.

Wamp makes it clear when it comes to drafting Fred Thompson for president, he has been a front runner.

"This is about serving his country, this is about answering the call," Wamp says about Thompson.

Now out of what some are calling a testing the waters phase, Thompson is ready to commit, but does the decision come too late? It all depends on who you ask.

Fred Thompson says, "I look at my history books, I see where people announced September, October, November and things like that. I know the rules of the game have changed by all of the Washington Beltway pundits and all the politicians, but I wasn't there when they made those rules and I'm not abiding by them."

Robin Smith, Chairman of the TN Republican Party says, "It has hurt him in the presences of other candidates in that they're saying they started earlier, he should have to start early but if you traditionally look at presidential politics...labor day has traditionally been when most candidates ramp up their campaigns across the board."

While Smith can not endorse a particular candidate, she does say people will probably see a traditional grassroot campaign from Thompson.

"He knows how to show up at the diners..to go to the county fairs...talk to the mom and pops on their porch and he also knows how to sit at a business roundtable and conduct policy discussions with some of the finest business folks," Smith adds.

And just a reminder, folks in Tennessee can cast their vote in the primaries as early as February 5th this time around.


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